28 October 2022
At 6:00pm (AEDT) today, Friday 28 October, Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) will hold a special event in Finland to lay the keel of Spirit of Tasmania IV.
The keel laying is the beginning of an important stage in the construction of the first of Spirit of Tasmania’s two new vessels.
As is tradition, recently minted 2022 Australian and Finnish coins will be placed in the keel before the first block is lowered into position. The coins symbolise good fortune for the builders and all those who sail on the vessel.
Spirit of Tasmania CEO and Managing Director Bernard Dwyer, who is in Finland for the event along with Chairman Michael Grainger, said it was an exciting time for the company.
“This keel laying ceremony is another important milestone for the project that takes us one step closer to having new vessels crossing Bass Strait. We’re excited to join our partners RMC for the occasion and celebrate the build for Spirit of Tasmania IV tracking on time for delivery in the first quarter of 2024.”
“The arrival of the two new ferries in Australia in 2024 will be a significant moment for the company,” he said.
“Forty percent larger than the current vessels, the investment we are making in these vessels is a once in a generation event that will deliver important benefits to Tasmania’s visitor economy and the broader economy.”
Tune in to watch the livestream at 6:00pm (AEDT) on Friday 28 October direct from RMC’s shipyard in Finland using this link: https://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au/new-ships/keel-laying-ceremony
